Patricia Stainke

I work primarily with women entrepreneurs and small business owners who struggle with the writing aspects of their business. I proof and edit both content and copy, write modules and blog posts, manage Facebook pages, transform author content into well-structured articles, and manage Website and flier copy and graphics. One of my favorite assignments is to write email marketing copy and  the 'About Me' page for websites. It is my goal to add color and brilliance to each entrepreneur's message, so that he is better positioned to attract his ideal clients!

I also translate web copy, articles, and a variety of marketing materials from French to English.

I substitute for a variety of classes at the secondary level. I love being in the classroom, and even as a substitute, I enjoy teaching that day's material, and try to make a difference in the students' lives each day.

As a Social Media Marketer, I work with small businesses to build a stronger customer base through the use of social media.

During the five years that I was with the County Schools, I took a number of long-term assignments, including a semester in Spanish on a campus for the emotionally challenged, a semester in ESL with first year immigrants, six weeks as a Technology Specialist with the physically disabled, a month in Honors and AP French at Churchill HS in Potomac, and a month teaching Technology (Excel, Access, and Consumer Math).  When I was not on a long-term assignment, I worked primarily as a day sub with the learning- and emotionally disabled.

Tutored an autistic 11 year old in language arts and math

Tutored ESL with adults from Brazil and the Philippines

Tutored French with Middle school and High school students, levels 1 through AP

Tutored Writing with adult students from the US, Kenya, Brazil, Ukraine, and the Philippines

In my time at the International Language Institute, I have both substituted and taught ESL classes on various levels, from beginner to advanced conversation.  The curriculum and materials are well-chosen, the program administered with great precision and a dedication to student success.  My responsibilities included adhering to the program as designed, and doing all I could to enhance the student experience.  I presented each lesson from the perspective of a language teacher who is familiar with challenges that come with living in a host country, and with considerable experience in the field of language awareness and development.

8/98 – 5/01; 8/03 - 5/06 

French Teacher, levels French I, II, III, and IV, and continuing

Developer of French Advanced Placement Program

Taught American Sign Language levels I and II, and Fingerspelling.  Contributed to program development of new Interpreter Training Program.

Co-taught French with teacher exploring the effectiveness of two different methodologies with her French students. This project was for her master's thesis.  She taught her morning classes with traditional methods, while I was assigned to teach the afternoon classes with communicative methods of my own choosing and design.  We 'swapped' class assignments at the semester mark, so that both morning and afternoon would have the benefit of both methods. This led to a partnership that lasted for many years.

Kindergarten / First grade hearing impaired, Pilot Satellite Program

Reference Desk  Worked with patrons to find the materials they needed for personal enjoyment and research.

Students   During the school year, worked with young students, teaching research skills, helping them to navigate both the stacks and the information systems, and aiding with special school assignments.

Children's Desk  Designed all children's programing including weekly Story Hours both at the Library and at local schools and Day Cares.  Designed and directed Summer Reading Program.  Worked with Homeschooling parents to supplement their school curriculum. 

Classes  Held classes for parents who desired to learn to read to their children, and taught computer skills to seniors. 

1989 We hosted a student from France

1990 ff   I recruited host families from the area to host foreign exchange students from France and Spain.  During the students' stay, I maintained contact with each of 20 host families, and organized all their group activities.

I stayed home with my children for nine years, and homeschooled them through second grade.  The most important job in the world.

Second Grade teacher, Christian School

Receptionist and Interpreter in front office.  Coordinated a variety of services for the hearing impaired.

Program Coordinator and Interpreter for group of 40 French adults (parents and professionals working with the deaf in France), International Center on Deafness.  All duties conducted in English, French, and Sign Language. 

Tour Guide for daily tourists and International Groups, conducting tours in English, French, and German.  Hired specifically to conduct tours in Sign Language for the hearing impaired.

Interpreter and Teacher for Christian Mission for Deaf Africans (CMDA), Ibadan, Nigeria.  Interpreted among three languages (English, French, Sign) in diplomatic meetings and other public relations situations.  Taught Sign Language and an introductory course re: deaf issues to beginning teachers of the Deaf from six French African countries, assembled for a summer intensive program, in preparation for opening new schools for the deaf in their own countries.

(This organization changed its name in 1978 to CMD, Christian Mission for the Deaf.)

I completed my BA in four years, but took one year off to return to my roots in Europe.  During that year, I worked  for 3 months at the American School of Paris, assistant to the man who had been my art teacher growing up in that school.  When school ended in June, I moved to Colchester, England, where I worked as a practical aide in a school for the adult disabled.  This pivotal year of my life lay the foundations for everything I would later pursue as an international facilitator, a teacher, an interpreter, a companion for the disabled, and, most important of all, as a parent to three forward-looking adult children, each dedicated to making a significant contribution with their lives.

Six formative years spent in France which would be life-defining for me.